IN his report as chairman of the Old School Village Hall, Bill Crumbleholme expressed his pride in being involved with this lively venue and the activities which take place there.

He was pleased to report that the new path along the outside of the hall had been paid for wholly from their own funds, but funding would be needed to pay for the next big project.

For some time now, the elderly boiler has been expressing its own views on its continued use with grunts and wheezes, definitely nearing the end of its active life.

Bill and the committee propose to get a full energy audit, checking for improvement in insulation and energy saving and also how the power is used. They expect to involve the county energy officer to help and advise.

Of many people who have been concerned in the life of the Old School, Bill made special mention of Prim Hughes who died recently – she was first a school dinner lady there, then took on the caretaking until the school closed, continuing there until just a few years ago.

Bill thanked David Hughes, for some year’s chairman of the Old School and always a stalwart supporter, as he now retires from the committee.

Treasurer Phil Price reported that the Old School had recovered financially from some difficulties over the last two years when the hall had to be closed for maintenance work. The summer craft show had shown better receipts, the letting income had risen and expenses had been held at a reasonable level. He felt the hall was in a satisfactory position.

Di Pattinson, who runs the 100plus club, was happy to report that she had been able to pass on £900 and that renewal of subscriptions was due now – she will welcome new contributors.

Along with the retirement of David Hughes, Paul Sutton has decided to stand down and his place will be taken by his wife, Georgina. The committee otherwise agreed to stand again for this year.

Contact Phil Cooke for bookings on 812665.

BROADWEY and Upwey District Horticultural Society, which meets at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of every month at St Nicholas School, enjoyed an interesting and informative talk by Mike Burke of Castle Gardens, Sherborne, on the subject of gardening folklore.

Consider the phases of the moon when you’re in the garden: it has special effects, for example plant your root vegetables when the moon is waning, but your leaf veges when it’s waxing – it’s all got something to do with the moon’s gravitational pull. And plant your potatoes on Good Friday – now that may be an old wives tale, it may be traditional or, indeed, it may be that moon again which just starts to wane on Good Friday!

The next important date in the BUDHS calendar is the Spring Show, which takes place on Saturday, March 20 at 2.00pm in the Memorial Hall.

With spring as late as it is this year, the Show will be a feast for the eyes, spectacular displays of daffodils especially and many other wonderful spring flowers fill the hall with colour, shape and scent.

It’s not only flowers on display, there are also classes in craft and cooking, and you are invited to enter cakes and jams and all sorts.

Contact Eve Morris on 813942 if you would like to take part.